Program Overview
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Elementary, Secondary & K-12 Education
K-12 Bilingual (Spanish/English) Education Endorsement
Program Description: The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist endorsement (K-12, Spanish/English) program leads to a CLD Bilingual Education Specialist endorsement by the Colorado Department of Education that qualifies a candidate to teach in both CLD and Spanish Bilingual Education settings. The program provides teacher candidates with the knowledge and pedagogical skills to effectively support Spanish/English bilingual learners in bilingual education programs. Students will gain deep understanding of theories of second language acquisition, the structures of the English and Spanish language, linguistically and culturally responsive teaching, the nature of bi/multilingualism, policies and programs impacting bi/multilingual learners, and methods for supporting content-based language learning. Students successfully completing this program will be recommended to the Colorado Department of Education for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bilingual Education Specialist (K-12) endorsement.
Admission Requirements:
To enroll in this program, the student needs to be in a teacher licensure program at UNC.
Prior to beginning courses, students interested in obtaining the CLD Bilingual Education Specialist endorsement must complete the following:
- Attend the CLD Orientation for new students (held once each semester).
- Submit the application for admission to the CLD Bilingual Education Endorsement.
- Schedule a meeting with CLD advisor Penny Mascarenas (penelope.mascarenas@unco.edu) to register for courses.
Program Requirements:
CLD Bilingual Education Specialist Endorsement candidates must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the program Faculty also reserve the right to place on probation or to require the withdrawal from the program of any student who fails to satisfy the requirements of scholarship, commitment, performance, or disregard for the UNC Honor Code, based on course or practicum performance.
CLD Bilingual Specialist Endorsement candidates must complete the practicum requirement in a Spanish/English bilingual classroom. The CLD/Bilingual practicum must also be completed independently from other required practicum courses.
CLD Bilingual Specialist Endorsement candidates will complete a summative, standards-based portfolio during their practicum course (ECLD 401) that includes reflection upon artifacts generated throughout the program.
Program Recommendations:
Candidates are also encouraged to become involved with the UNC centers that advocate for the rights of minoritized communities, including the César Chávez Cultural Center or the Immigrant and Refugee Center.
Endorsement Requirements — 27-33 Credits
CLD Required Courses — 18 Credits
| WLC 390 | History and Philosophy of Multilingual Education | 3 |
| ECLD 260 | Language Acquisition in Multilingual SocietiesLAB3LAMS | 3 |
| ECLD 380 | Introduction to Linguistics for ESL/CLD Educators | 3 |
| ECLD 450 | Literacy/Content Instruction in Bilingual Classrooms | 3 |
| ECLD 400 | Methods and Approaches of Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| ECLD 401 | CLD Practicum | 3 |
Bilingual Education Specialist Required Courses — 6 credits
Take all of the following courses:
| SPAN 305 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| SPAN 412 | Spanish for Bilingual Education II | 3 |
CLD Elective: U.S. Multicultural Studies — 3 credits
Complete one of the following options:
| MAS 100 | Introduction to Mexican American StudiesLAB3LAMS | 3 |
| MAS 101 | Careers in Mexican American Studies | 1 |
| MAS 110 | Contemporary Chicano LiteratureLAA2LAMS | 3 |
Spanish Language Proficiency Requirement:
To obtain the CLD Bilingual Education specialist endorsement, candidates must demonstrate Spanish language proficiency through one of the following options (if you obtain a degree in a Spanish Teaching Licensure program or pass the Spanish Praxis, the remaining 6 credits of coursework may be waived):
- Passing score on the Spanish Praxis test (for those in a licensure program other than Spanish); or
- An additional 6 credits of university coursework in Spanish (choose one of the options below):
Non-Heritage Speaker Option: 6 credits
Heritage Speaker Option: 6 credits
| SPAN 310 | Spanish for Native Speakers | 3 |
| SPAN 312 | Written Spanish for Native Speakers | 3 |
Note: The Heritage Speaker courses must have program approval through a placement exam.
Program Notes
Students should complete the required CLD courses in the listed sequence: WLC 390, ECLD 260, ECLD 380, ECLD 450, and ECLD 400 with ECLD 401 (same semester). Spanish courses and electives may be taken at any time.